Robert Downey Jr. Is Back In The MCU As Doctor Doom, And Fans Are Split About It

    The news was shared yesterday at San Diego Comic-Con.

    Chelsea Stewart
    by Chelsea Stewart

    BuzzFeed Staff

    Great news, Marvel fans!

    After much teasing and speculation, Robert Downey Jr. confirmed that he's officially returning to the MCU!

    Robert Downey Jr. smiles with his hands under his chin, wearing a sweater, shirt, tie, and black-rimmed glasses
    Steve Granitz / FilmMagic

    The actor previously played Tony Stark/Iron Man, appearing in nearly a dozen movies between 2008 and 2019 when he sacrificed himself in Avengers: Endgame to save the universe.

    Robert Downey Jr. wearing a protective suit with "STARK" written on it, with a distressed expression and some dirt and cuts on his face
    Marvel

    While he won't be coming back as Iron Man (for now, at least), Robert will be returning to the MCU as Victor von Doom in two upcoming films — 2026's Avengers: Doomsday and 2027's Avengers: Secret Wars.

    The Russo brothers and Kevin Feige stand in front of a large "Avengers: Doomsday" sign, flanked by people in hoods
    Jesse Grant / Getty Images for Disney

    Avengers: Doomsday will replace Avengers: The Kang Dynasty after Kang actor Jonathan Majors was dropped from the MCU following his assault trial last year.

    The Russo brothers, who will also return for the new films, revealed the news yesterday during Marvel's panel at San Diego Comic-Con. Joe Russo had been teasing the casting for Doctor Doom when he said, "If we're going to bring Victor von Doom to the screen...we are going to need the greatest actor in the world."

    Anthony Russo and Joe Russo on stage at San Diego Comic-Con, both holding microphones and wearing casual jackets
    Jesse Grant / Getty Images for Disney

    He added, "As proof of the unimaginable possibilities of the Marvel Universe, we give you the one person who could play Victor von Doom." At that moment, RDJ stepped forward wearing Doctor Doom's iconic mask and cloak.

    The full live reveal of Robert Downey Jr. announced as Doctor Doom during the Marvel Studios Hall H panel at San Diego Comic-Con 2024. #SDCC pic.twitter.com/OlOJOQf0C4

    — Rob Keyes (@rob_keyes) July 28, 2024
    Twitter: @rob_keyes

    "New mask, same task," Robert said as the crowd cheered. He also shared an Instagram post of Doom's legendary face covering with the same caption.

    Here's what people had to say about the announcement:

    Twitter: @ST1NKYP3TE

    Twitter: @RjtAg222

    Imagine his reaction when he meets Doom
    pic.twitter.com/mHAvFi1MQq

    — Marvel Perfect Gifs & Clips (@MCUPerfectGifs) July 28, 2024
    Marvel / Twitter: @MCUPerfectGifs

    Twitter: @heyitst0m

    Twitter: @ResonantJustice
    Tweet by user @HAWKGIRLS critical of MCU's creative direction, reacting to a tweet by @DiscussingFilm announcing Robert Downey Jr. to star as Doctor Doom in "Avengers: Doomsday," releasing in May 2026
    x.com

    There were also some jokes:

    The Avengers fighting Doctor Doom pic.twitter.com/lpAhN0FFix

    — masc potatoes (Phoenix Era) (@CertifiedFool_) July 28, 2024
    Bravo / Twitter: @CertifiedFool_

    Marvel Announcing RDJ as Doctor Doom pic.twitter.com/xyggHidBuh

    — 🎥Serg📼 (@Xlad99) July 28, 2024
    Universal Pictures / Twitter: @Xlad99

    The Avengers when they see Doom pic.twitter.com/xSS1E01Wuq

    — Phil Thunphy (@Mariannoo) July 28, 2024
    NBC / Twitter: @Mariannoo

    RDJ going from iron man to Dr Doom pic.twitter.com/DnqOAHY31n

    — vids that go hard (@vidsthatgohard) July 28, 2024
    Disney / Twitter: @vidsthatgohard

    me when the evil iron man variant/doctor doom says “I hate you 3000” in Secret Wars #SDCC pic.twitter.com/n4KffI10m1

    — faz (@buckyssteven) July 28, 2024
    Twitter: @buckyssteven

    When Peter Parker says “I hate you 3000” to RDJ’s Doctor Doom in Avengers Doomsday pic.twitter.com/bIZCwzjccd

    — Kevin (@KevinTalks12) July 28, 2024
    ESPN / Twitter: @KevinTalks12

    me seeing that tony stark is now dr doom after shedding organic tears when iron man died pic.twitter.com/lbSU4B8YS7

    — Travonne Edwards (@Travonne) July 28, 2024
    Warner Bros / Twitter: @Travonne

    When Dr. Doom reveals his face and looks like Tony Stark pic.twitter.com/2R4G92nPnv

    — ryan w (@SourceRyan) July 28, 2024
    Disney / Twitter: @SourceRyan

    How are you feeling about Robert's casting as Doctor Doom? Will you be watching the new films? Let us know in the comments.

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